The number of victims of human trafficking in Cyprus and the European Union remains alarmingly high, points out the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, Maria Stylianou-Lottides. At the same time, it emphasizes the need for early detection and effective protection of victims, as well as exemplary punishment of perpetrators.
In her statement on the occasion of the International Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings, the Commissioner states that in 2025, 30 victims of human trafficking were recognized in Cyprus, of which 16 women and 14 men, while five convictions of traffickers were recorded.
He notes, however, that the recorded incidents do not reveal the true dimension of the problem, as many cases are never reported.
According to Eurostat data, 9,678 victims of trafficking in human beings, 7,966 suspected traffickers and 2,599 convictions were recorded in the EU in 2024.
He adds that 63% of the recorded victims were women or girls, while labour exploitation was numerically at the same levels as sexual exploitation.
Ms. Stylianou-Lottides points out that, despite significant progress in the institutional framework, serious challenges remain, such as the under-recognition of victims, their difficulty in accessing justice, fear of retaliation and new forms of exploitation through digital technology.
It also refers to the Annual Report of the Expert Group on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings for 2025, according to which there is a rapid increase in incidents of trafficking for the purpose of exploitation in criminal activities in Europe.
As he notes, new forms of exploitation are emerging at the same time through artificial intelligence and online scams, while criminal organizations are using high-level technologies to recruit victims.
The Commissioner stresses that tackling trafficking in human beings is not limited to prosecuting the perpetrators, but is primarily a matter of protecting human rights.
"It requires the early identification of victims, their safe access to protection, support and rehabilitation, as well as the effective safeguarding of their right to regain control of their lives, without fear, stigmatisation or re-victimisation," it says.
He also emphasizes that the State has a positive obligation to develop effective prevention, detection and protection mechanisms, to strengthen the cooperation of the competent authorities and to properly train front-line professionals.
Equally important, he adds, is meaningful cooperation with civil society, which plays a crucial role in supporting victims and raising awareness.
The Commissioner states that, as the National Authority for Human Rights, her Office monitors the implementation of the obligations of the Republic of Cyprus and promotes a victim-centered approach, respect for human rights and equal treatment.
At the same time, it calls for continued vigilance and collective action, pointing out that "the fight against trafficking in human beings is the responsibility of all of us".
"Every victim identified and protected, every form of exploitation that is prevented and every perpetrator brought to justice is another step towards a society that does not tolerate the exploitation of man by man," he says.
Concluding, Ms. Stylianou-Lottides underlines that human dignity is a non-negotiable right and that the State must be "relentless and immovable" in the exemplary punishment of those who commit such offenses.
